Author(s): MARMONDI, F., FERRANDO, V., CODELLA, R., FILIPAS, L., LA TORRE, A., RUGGERI, P., PIACENTIFI, M.F., BONATO, M., FAELLI, E.L., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF GENOA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 1029

INTRODUCTION:
Aging is associated with parallel declines in both physical and cognitive functions, which may compromise autonomy and overall quality of life. Dual-task performance, requiring the simultaneous execution of cognitive and motor tasks, is particularly affected. Physical activity has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate these impairments. This study aimed to investigate whether a structured physical training program could improve dual-task performance and related functional and psychological outcomes in sedentary older adults.
METHODS:
This is a 12-week parallel group randomized-controlled study including sedentary adults aged >60 years. Participants were allocated into an Experimental Group (EG), which performed 3 sessions per week, consisted of 2 aerobic and 1 bodyweight resistance training sessions, or to a Control Group (CG), which received standardized guidelines for active lifestyle according to the World Health Organization. Participants were tested at baseline (BL) and after 12 weeks of protocol (W12). Assessments included dual-task performance by Timed Up and Go test (TUG) single task (ST) and dual task (DT) conditions; cognitive function by Trail-Making A and B (TMT-A/B) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST); muscle strength by right (R) and left (L) handgrip strength (HGS), 30 second arm curl (30sACT), R and L quadriceps maximal isometric strength (QMIS), 30 second chair strand test (30sCST); balance by Y-balance test (YBT), aerobic fitness by 6 minutes walking test (6MWT); and mood state by Profile of Mood State (POMS). Within-group changes were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test; between-group differences were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test.
RESULTS:
Thirty-four subjects were screened and enrolled: 17 in EG [11 males, median age: 69 (65-77) years; height: 1.67 (1.62-1.74) m; body mass index (BMI): 22.8 (21.1-25.6) kg/m2] and 17 In CG [11 males; median age: 67 (65-76) years; height: 1.71 (1.62-1.78) m; BMI: 22.3 (21.2-27.7) kg/m2]. EG showed significant improvements from BL in TUG_ST (P=0.001), TUG_DT (P=0.005), TMT-A (P=0.049), 30sACT (0.002), 30sCST (P=0.001), 6MWT (P=0.028), and depression score in POMS (P=0.023). CG exhibited significant declines from BL in TUG_ST (P=0.023) and TUG_DT (P=0.021). Between-group comparisons changes revealed significant differences in TUG_ST (P<0.0001), TUG_DT (P=0.0002), 30sACT (P=0.011), and 30sCST (P=0.028).
CONCLUSION:
Regular physical activity combining aerobic and resistance training effectively attenuates functional and cognitive decline in sedentary older adults. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating exercise prescriptions into preventive strategies for healthy aging.